How to Protect Tree Trunks From Lawn Mowers

Trees serve as focal points of a home's landscaping and add value to the property. It's important that you not damage tree trunks as you mow the lawn, because the trees can develop scars from repeated contact with the mower. These wounds open the tree to possible insect infestation and weaken its resistance to decay fungi. During the early spring and summer, the bark is loose on trees. Any lawn mower damage during this peak growing season could cause the bark to fall off, which in turn opens the tree to more damage. Protect your landscape investment by finding alternative ways of cutting grass around the trees.

1

Remove any grass growing on the ground around the tree trunk by scraping off the blades and roots with a shovel. Place the shovel horizontal to the ground as you push on it to sever the grass from its roots.

2

Repair any damage to the tree trunk and the root buttress, which are the exposed roots at the base of the tree. Mix a bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Dip a pair of pruning shears into the bleach mixture to kill any fungi or bacteria on them. Trim peeled bark with the pruning shears. If the bark remains attached to the tree, tack it in place with staples or small tacks.

3

Water the area under the tree thoroughly. Use a light flow of water over a longer period so the water soaks into the ground and gets to the roots.

4

Place organic mulch around the base of the tree far enough away so you don’t damage exposed roots with the lawn mower. Use old grass clippings, leaves or bark mulch. Spread the mulch at least three feet away from a young tree’s trunk. The mulch should be at least 3 to 4 inches deep. Replace the mulch throughout the growing season as it deteriorates.

5

Install a tree guard around the tree trunk if you prefer not to mulch. Select a guard large enough to allow the trunk to expand as it grows. Purchase tree guards that are at least 8 inches tall. Light-colored guards are best because they reflect the sun. Press the bottom edge about 2 inches into the ground around the trunk to prevent small animals from getting to the base of the tree.

Things You Will Need

Shovel

Cardboard scraps

Plastic sheeting

Household bleach

Pruning shears

Staples

Staple gun

Tacks

Hammer

Tree guard

Weedkiller with glyphosate

Garden sprayer

Tip

If you must trim stray grass around a tree even after you mulch it, use hand clippers. Use a weed trimmer only if it is set on low. That’s still enough force to remove grass without damaging the tree.

To chemically remove grass beneath the tree, apply a weedkiller containing glyphosate using a garden sprayer, spraying only the grass near the tree trunk. Take care not to get the weedkiller on any part of the tree. Spray on a day when the wind isn’t blowing. If there is a chance of chemical drift, cover the tree trunk and any shrubs or plants you want to protect under the tree with scrap cardboard or plastic sheeting. Remove the cardboard or plastic as soon as you finish spraying.

About the Author

Denise Brown is an education professional who wanted to try something different. Two years and more than 500 articles later, she's enjoying her freelance writing experience for online resources such as Work.com and other online information sites. Brown holds a master's degree in history education from Truman State University.